Pros & Cons of Heated Driveways and Sidewalks

For those of us who live in colder climates or at higher altitudes, we know too much about snow. Each winter we find ourselves knee deep in white powder, and sometimes, back straining, heavy, wet snow. Would you believe us if we told you there is a way to retire your snow shovel and snowblower for good and eliminate the use of chemicals to help melt snow and ice? There is! And you even have a couple of options to choose from for your home or business. But, with any innovative solution, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

What are the advantages of snow melting systems?

Snow melting systems offer safety and convenience over traditional methods of removing snow and ice. With electric radiant heat in your driveways and walkways, you can avoid labor-intensive shoveling, annual snowblower maintenance, or the cost of hiring someone else to plow your driveway or shovel your walk.

And because you won’t need deicing chemicals and salts, a system preserves the condition of your driveway and walkway surfaces – and landscaping, too.

Here are just some of the benefits of a snow melting system:

• Adds luxury and value to your home—A permanent snow removal system is an asset to your home
• Maintenance-free snow and ice melting—No moving parts that would require at least annual service
• Simple and efficient—High-quality system controls are available in a wide range of options for ultimate convenience
• Saves time and labor—Retire your shovel and eliminate the need for plow/removal labor
• Increases safety and reduces liability—Safer walkways mean reduced liability from slips and falls on your property, and safety for your family and guests (Read more about outdoor snow melting and safety here)
• Environmentally friendlier than de-icing salts and chemicals—Preserve the condition of your driveway/walkway and landscaping and protect pets’ paws from harsh chemicals
• Automatic sensor options—Systems can automatically activate before snow hits the ground

What are the disadvantages of snow melting systems?

While heated driveways offer comfort and convenience during the winter months, it’s important to consider their disadvantages before making a decision.

Here are a few considerations to make before choosing a snow melting system:

• Initial installation costs—The complex nature of these systems means that installing them involves not just purchasing the necessary equipment, but also hiring skilled contractors
• Installation process—The process of installing a heated driveway can be complex and, in many cases, requires the existing driveway to be dug up and replaced. This is especially true if retrofitting is not viable due to the condition or type of the current driveway

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that choosing and installing snow melting systems is a big investment. Here is some additional information to help you make an informed decision.

How do heated driveways and sidewalks work?

An electric heated driveway system wired to a controller or sensor is designed to operate automatically. The controllers monitor moisture, temperature and precipitation and will turn on the system heating surface just above freezing when necessary. Believe it or not, there is even a controller that activates based on the weather forecast, so it can preheat the slab before the snowfall!

Manual controls are also available but are recommended mainly for heating outdoor spaces such as patios. They can be used for snow and ice melting but are much less efficient than systems using automatic sensors. The main feature of a manual system is the ability for the user to turn the heat on and off as they please and set the temperature at the thermostat.

Note: Activating your system manually after snow has fallen will greatly increase melting time and energy consumption.

There are two install configurations to consider – heating cables or preformed mesh mats. For custom layouts and curves, loose cables are recommended. For straight runs, walkways and tire-tracks, and faster installation, mats are the better choice. We offer both cables and mats from Warmup and ProMelt for worry-free snow and ice removal all winter long, no shovels, chemicals or annual maintenance required. Both high-quality product lines offer convenient, effective snow and ice melting to fit any project.

When is the best time to install snow melting systems?

The best time to install any snow melting system is during the warm months. The warmer, milder months offer the perfect opportunity for home improvement and let you plan ahead for those snowy days to come.

So before you add pavers or pour new concrete, consider adding luxurious electric radiant heat to your driveways and walkways from Warmup or ProMelt by SunTouch.

Where should you add snow melting systems?

You can install snow melting systems under concrete, asphalt and even under pavers. But depending on how big your property or budget is, you may want to install a system where it can have the most impact.

Consider installing a system in steep areas that are difficult to shovel or especially dangerous when ice freezes. Another place to consider is an area with heavy foot traffic. Coverage can follow a variety of patterns, with tire tracks being very popular as they reduce up-front costs and future operating costs, yet remain very effective. And if slippery stairs are a concern, install mats for a few steps, and use cables for more stairs.

You can increase safety and convenience, all while saving time this winter, by installing snow melting systems.

Watch a Warmup Snow Melting System in Action

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Love the idea of snow melting systems? Give us a call, and we’ll help you determine what system and products would be an efficient choice for your home or business.